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Ministry of Defence;Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

Answer

Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to introduce alternatives to animal experimentation at Porton Down; and if he will list the initiatives in this area since 1995. [22962] Mr. Spellar: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member. Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Norman Baker, dated January 1998: As Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) I have been asked to reply to your question about the introduction of alternatives to animal experimentation at Porton Down. The use of alternatives to living animals has always been a priority in designing and executing research programmes to address the MOD's requirements. Alternatives must be fully considered when drawing up a project licence application. At CBD each project licence application is subjected to an internal peer group ethical review. The meeting is open to all members of staff, the details of the licence application are briefly presented and then the meeting is open to debate on both scientific and ethical concerns. One of the major aims is to ensure that the `3Rs' have been addressed, i.e., Reduction, Replacement and Refinement. The review can result in an application being completely rejected, held over subject to improvements being made or approved for submission to the Home Office. The review procedure is in line with the outcome of a Home Office Supplementary Note `Interim report on the review of operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986' dated 6 November 1997 which emphasises the requirement that applicants for new project licences must demonstrate that they have sought alternatives before the use of animals is proposed. With respect to initiatives since 1995, a new in vitro toxicology laboratory has been commissioned at CBD Porton. The use of in-vitro cell and tissue culture models allows innovative research to identify novel medical countermeasures and examine the potential hazards and the mechanism of action of chemical and non-chemical agents. Similar models are also used in research to investigate treatment regimes and prospective protective and decontaminating compounds for use in a chemical warfare environment. Experiments using animals have also been essential for advances in the surgical management of injury. Another recent initiative has been the development of a variety of model systems for studies on the protection of personnel from physical injury and the identification of injury mechanisms. The model systems can be grouped under three headings; animal cadaveric tissue; physical models; and computer models. They have either reduced or entirely replaced the use of living animals. I hope this is helpful.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

22962; 304 c411-3W;304 c407-9W

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Abuse Animals Chemical and biological warfare Defence Animal experiments Licensing Personal injury Research Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Porton Down (Wiltshire)